SES-12

Luxembourg-based commercial satellite operator SES has selected Arianespace to launch its first all-electric communications satellite, SES-12.

Planned for lift-off at the end of 2017, the SES-12 will be launched by an Ariane 5 from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana.

Arianespace Chairman and CEO Stéphane Israël added: "Launching the first all-electric satellite in the SES fleet confirms that our Ariane 5 launcher perfectly matches the evolving market and technology of satellites."

Weighing 5,300kg, the SES-12 will be placed at orbital slot of 95° E and will replace SES’s existing NSS-6 satellite.

"Launching the first all-electric satellite in the SES fleet confirms that our Ariane 5 launcher perfectly matches the evolving market and technology of satellites."

The satellite, which is designed to operate for 15 years, will provide direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting, VSAT, mobility and high-throughput satellite (HTS) data connectivity services in the Asia-Pacific region.

SES chief technology officer Martin Halliwell said: "SES-12 will greatly expand our capacity over Asia and is fully in line with our capital expenditure plan.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

"Through its unique hybrid DTH/HTS design, SES-12 will continue to support our growing DTH platforms and provide a new, lower cost HTS product, further enhancing our customer’s options for growth."

Airbus Defence and Space has been selected by SES to construct the SES-12 based on its Eurostar E3000 platform, with a payload of 68 Ku-band transponders and eight Ka-band transponders.

The spacecraft will feature an electric plasma propulsion system for orbit raising and on-orbit manoeuvres.

Image: The SES-12 will replace SES’s existing NSS-6 satellite. Photo: courtesy of Airbus Defence and Space SAS.